Sunglasses have long been a Hollywood staple, worn by A-listers on and off-screen for protection, style, and character. While shades on the silver screen are nothing new, very few in the industry have made as huge of an impact with sunglasses as Tom Cruise. Over his career, he’s amassed an incredible filmography and has been one of the most recognizable entertainers in film for decades. Aside from making an impact in the movie industry, he’s also been influential in the eyewear scene. Even just wearing a pair of shades in a film can spark or revive sunglasses trends. Fortunately, that means it’s also easy to take inspiration for your own outfits. Here are some of Tom Cruise’s most iconic sunglasses and how to steal his legendary looks:
Wayfarer frames
Tom Cruise quickly rose to fame after Risky Business hit cinemas in 1983. Many remember the film as the one featuring his iconic pantsless dance to Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock and Roll,” which is still referenced in pop culture today. However, his Wayfarer shades have also become a legendary accessory thanks to their appearance. These sunglasses became such a massive hit that sales rose by 50% after the movie’s release. These Ray-Ban sunglasses have long been a popular and timeless style, but this might have turned out differently if Tom Cruise hadn’t worn them in Risky Business. While the Ray-Ban Wayfarer Classic is a top model, you can find the style or something similar almost anywhere you find sunglasses.
Aviator sunglasses
Whether in 1986 or 2022, Tom Cruise changed the eyewear game when he played Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in the Top Gun series. He rocked Aviator sunglasses in both films, a style that was initially developed for the comfort and protection of pilots who needed to shield their eyes from the sun when flying and could wear them under headgear. While Maverick wears them for practical purposes, it also helps that they’re the epitome of cool. The sleek design offers a unique look, and its versatility and timelessness have made them highly sought after for years, especially after the actor wore them in the Top Gun films. You can still find a pair from the original brand, but you can also find other similar sunglasses if you want to steal the look but put your own edge to it. The Good Vibrations or Flier model from EyeBuyDirect can offer the same vibe and look equally as sophisticated. You can pair them with any look to feel just as fly as Maverick.
Romeo shades
Sunglasses are essential for any secret agent, and Ethan Hunt is no exception. The Mission: Impossible films have decked Tom Cruise out in some of the coolest eyewear, but not many of those frames are as iconic as the ones he wore for the opening scene of the second installment. He dons the futuristic Oakley Romeo model after a death-defying rock climb to receive his mission, and he throws them at the camera as it self-destructs, creating one of the most memorable intros in the series. An authentic pair is hard to find now since it’s no longer available from Oakley, unless you’re willing to scour the internet to find this coveted memorabilia to replicate the look. Fortunately, Oakley also has similar sports shades in its selection. The Eye Jacket model also has a futuristic look that calls back to the bold aesthetic of the ‘90s, and offers a super-spy sophistication that can look sleek with a sporty look.